Mizzou’s Eryn Samuels Selected for NAADD Initiative Program
3/5/2025 9:47:00 AM | General
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Senior Director for Leadership Giving Eryn Samuels has been selected for the National Association of Athletic Development Directors (NAADD) 18th Annual Diversity Initiative Program. The honor recognizes individuals from diverse backgrounds within collegiate athletics development and provides professional growth opportunities to advance their careers in the industry.
As part of the recognition, Samuels will receive a stipend to attend the 2025 NAADD Convention, which will take place June 8-11 at the World Center Marriott Resort in Orlando, Florida. The annual event brings together industry leaders, providing networking and educational opportunities to enhance fundraising and development efforts across collegiate athletics.
Samuels has been an integral part of Mizzou Athletics' Fund development team, playing a key role in fundraising efforts that support the department's long-term success. A former volleyball student-athlete at East Tennessee State University, Samuels previously worked at Florida State University, University of Texas and University of New Mexico before she came to Mizzou in the fall of 2023.
"I'm thrilled that Eryn's bright future is being recognized by NAADD," Mizzou Executive Athletics Director and Chief Revenue Officer Blair DeBord said. "She's a leader on our development team and her professionalism and steadfast production is proof of her trajectory. I'm so happy to have her represent Mizzou nationally in Orlando."
"The NAADD Executive Committee is thrilled to welcome this year's Diversity Initiative Program cohort," said Erin Wissing, Deputy Executive Director at the University of Virginia and chair of the Diversity Initiative Committee. "The diverse backgrounds and experiences of these individuals is wide in range and will undoubtedly enrich our community. We are excited to support this group's professional growth and look forward to the significant impact they will make as athletics development professionals and as future leaders in our field."
